This has been an ongoing theme for me over the past several days.
I would really like to put an end to the perpetuation of the creation myth of the United States that says that it was founded on "freedom" and "equality" for all. This picture of America as a shining example of all things free and equal since its creation in the late 18th century is a fake. It's not even a good fake. It's like the Mona Lisa drawn with crayons.
The Constitution of the United States is spoken of as a religious text (American Civil Religion is another post for another day); one that lays out the beautiful notions of equality and freedom for all!
Cue Maury Povich:
The Declaration of Independence - another sacred text - begins with the sweeping statement
I would really like to put an end to the perpetuation of the creation myth of the United States that says that it was founded on "freedom" and "equality" for all. This picture of America as a shining example of all things free and equal since its creation in the late 18th century is a fake. It's not even a good fake. It's like the Mona Lisa drawn with crayons.
The Constitution of the United States is spoken of as a religious text (American Civil Religion is another post for another day); one that lays out the beautiful notions of equality and freedom for all!
Cue Maury Povich:
The Declaration of Independence - another sacred text - begins with the sweeping statement
"... all men are created equal, ..."
But we know this didn't literally mean ALL men, did it? I mean, we can ignore the fact that women were still unable to vote, hold office, or own property for the moment (it does say MEN), but can we ignore the fact that equal status was not given to Jews, Catholics, Africans, Native Americans, or other non-Europeans?
So then what does this statement even mean? Which term is relative? Is it the "all?" The "men?" Or is it the "equal?"
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